The international crest of the Patrician
Brothers has fairly self-explanatory symbolism. Starting from the
top we have rays of like coming from the cross of Christ as Jesus is
the light of and for the world. The bishop's mitre alludes to our
founder Bishop Daniel Delany, but it also reflects the special
respect the Brothers have for the priesthood.
The heart points to
the love that God has for us by sending us His only Son to suffer
and to die for us and that we are also called to love others and to
live with them in peace and harmony. The harp reminds us of our
Irish heritage as do the shamrocks to the left and right of the
shield. The Bible reminds us that it is the Good News which must be
at the centre of our apostolic and religious lives.
The shield of
the crest which contains the mitre, heart, harp, and Bible, brings
to mind the famous prayer "The Breastplate of St Patrick". This
prayer, like a shield and like a plate of armour which protects the
breast, can protect us from the harms of the world by celebrating
that Christ is with us in our daily lives. The motto "Pro Deo et
Patria" is ancient Latin and translates to "For God and Country" we
give our lives and service. |
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